Add to my post above, it is interesting the first 7 seals are outside the scroll. The contents of the book or scroll is unsealed after the last seal, the seventh seal is opened. There is a a half hour solemn silence after that before the first trumpet judgment.
It is possible what is inside the book or scroll are the events of Daniel 70th week, the last 7 years

The great multitude in Rev 7:9 are people with glorified bodies, not souls without body. They are holding palm branches with their phys...  moreAdd to my post above, it is interesting the first 7 seals are outside the scroll. The contents of the book or scroll is unsealed after the last seal, the seventh seal is opened. There is a a half hour solemn silence after that before the first trumpet judgment.
It is possible what is inside the book or scroll are the events of Daniel 70th week, the last 7 years

The great multitude in Rev 7:9 are people with glorified bodies, not souls without body. They are holding palm branches with their physical hands. Their physical bodies are dressed with white robes. If they have bodies means they are just resurrected or raptured. They are not martyred believers' souls still waiting for the resurrection

Again you don't have to agree with me.  

Thanks Thomas. Have you read David W Lowe's 'Earthquake Resurrection'? He presents scripture to support the hypothesis that the seals began opening when Christ ascended, and have been thus far, and that we are awaiting the 6th seal, earthquake resurrection event, and that the week of Jacob's trouble begins with the covenant and 7 trumpets. There's biblical substance to his work, it's quite compelling.

I have one question about this...the first seal is generally accepted as representing the AntiChrist, but we know from Paul that the AntiChrist cannot be revealed until the Restrainer is removed. If the Restrainer is the Holy Spirit working through the Church, then we, the Church, must be removed prior to the unveiling of the AntiChrist.

True, we can see evil throughout history. So, are you saying that since evil is still present in this world, the Holy Spirit has no power?
Paul suffered greatly at the hands of, and was martyred by, the government at that time, so I doubt he would think they (the government) would be restraining evil.
The "peace and safety" that Israel will be proclaiming is not here yet - nor has the final AntiChrist been revealed. It is possible, but only speculation at this point, that Israel is proclaiming...  moreTrue, we can see evil throughout history. So, are you saying that since evil is still present in this world, the Holy Spirit has no power?
Paul suffered greatly at the hands of, and was martyred by, the government at that time, so I doubt he would think they (the government) would be restraining evil.
The "peace and safety" that Israel will be proclaiming is not here yet - nor has the final AntiChrist been revealed. It is possible, but only speculation at this point, that Israel is proclaiming that "peace and safety" after the AntiChrist has confirmed that peace treaty with her enemies, and then sudden destruction (the second seal - Red Horseman of War) follows.
Believing in a pre-Tribulation rapture is not a salvation issue, so we can just agree to disagree and still be brother and sister in Christ.  

God has been very clear about ‘The’ tribulation, Jacobs Wrath, beginning with the the confirmation of a firm covenant. Mistaking tribulation with Jacobs Wrath can lead to all kinds of difficulties… just as their are many antichrists, there are many tribulations. Those are not to be confused with The AC or The Tribulation (Jacobs Wrath).
God has shown in His grace that His timeline is exact. There will be 7 years of The Tribulation from the covenant made firm by The AC- no covenant has been conf...  moreGod has been very clear about ‘The’ tribulation, Jacobs Wrath, beginning with the the confirmation of a firm covenant. Mistaking tribulation with Jacobs Wrath can lead to all kinds of difficulties… just as their are many antichrists, there are many tribulations. Those are not to be confused with The AC or The Tribulation (Jacobs Wrath).
God has shown in His grace that His timeline is exact. There will be 7 years of The Tribulation from the covenant made firm by The AC- no covenant has been confirmed by the AC yet. Nor has The AC been revealed. The church has not been taken, apostocia (taken out) has not happened.  

1 Thessalonians 5:9

“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,”

My mother and I spent many months searching the scriptures and trying to get the timing right on the rapture and the 7 year tribulation. From my chair here I have access to about 75 commentaries on Revelation and the one thing I am sure of is that none of them agree completely. I think we are watching it play out in real time and I trust my Lord Jesus.

Yes, absolutely the Holy Spirit has power in transforming lives! On that, we can definitely agree.